by Marie Astor
“How come I’m in my underwear and you’re still dressed?”
“You’re much more exciting to look at.”
“I would argue that it depends on the observer.”
She reached for his shirt, barely resisting the urge to tear it off of him and patiently undid each button.
Dennis groaned. “Are you taking this long on purpose?”
“I’m not the one who’s wearing a button-down shirt, mister.” Finally, the last button was undone and in one quick move, she ripped the shirt off of him. Her breath nearly caught at the sight of his ripped torso; it was a view she never got tired of.
“Come here, you.” He lifted her up, hoisting her onto his waist. She wrapped her legs around him and he carried her into the bedroom.
He lowered her onto the bed. His eyes blazed with desire, and his entire demeanor became different; he moved like a hunter, with catlike grace, his only aim being that of possessing her. His hands caressed and explored, his tongue setting her on fire. The touch of his skin, the smell of him made everything crystalize: to be with him was the only thing that she wanted. How lucky she was to have him all to herself. She reached for him, hungry for their bodies to unite, but he took his time, his touch growing tender, almost teasingly so. His lips ignited her sensitive spots that only he knew, sending flicks of electricity down her body. Finally, when it felt like she was about to explode from her want of him, he filled her utterly and entirely, their bodies blending into one. Her pleasure grew in waves, each greater than the one before, until it felt that its magnitude would submerge her, and then their ecstasy climaxed, leaving their bodies weightless with bliss.
“I love you, Janet,” Dennis groaned, burrowing his face in her neck.
She could feel his heartbeat, still harried from their lovemaking. “I love you too, Dennis,” she murmured. He didn’t answer; he was already fast asleep.
Chapter 19
The next day, Dennis and Janet were seated in a conference room of Kirk & Associates where they had been summoned by Ham for an emergency meeting.
“Where is he?” Janet asked. It wasn’t like Ham to be late to a meeting.
Dennis shrugged. “I saw him running down the hall just now. I thought he was rushing here. I guess we’ll just take a seat and wait for him.”
No sooner had they sat down that Ham stormed in. “Sorry I’m a little late, but I had to wait for the guest of honor to arrive. Jeff insisted on seeing you personally.” Ham ushered Jeff Falk into the conference room.
“Janet, Dennis, it’s great to see you again.” Falk shook their hands. “I wanted to see you today to thank you for the great job that you did.”
“I sure hope that’s it, Falk, ‘cause if you try to steal my investigators, I won’t go down easy,” Ham quipped.
Janet smiled. “You’ve got nothing to worry about, Ham, we love working for you.”
“Although a raise would be nice,” Dennis cut in.
“Huh, you hear that? This is all your doing, Falk! You’re going to ruin me.” Ham wrung his hands.
Falk chuckled. “I doubt that, Ham. With the finder’s fee your agency is slated to receive, I think you can afford to give these two excellent investigators the raise they’ve so valiantly earned and add a handsome bonus on top of it.”
Ham waved his hand. “Enough fooling around. Tell these two the good news already!”
Falk cracked a smile. “You’ll be pleased to know that Petr and Anton Kovar were arrested this morning—”
“This morning?” Janet asked. “I haven’t seen anything in the news!”
“The story has just been officially released,” said Falk. “If you check the news now, I’m sure it’ll be there.”
Janet feverishly tapped the keyboard and a CNN homepage appeared on the screen. “Here it is!”
“FBI busts an underground casino in the heart of New York City!” Dennis read the headline aloud. “Petr Kovar is a renowned businessman and entrepreneur who is used to VIP treatment. However, this morning Mr. Kovar received a different kind of attention when his private jet was welcomed by a team of FBI agents at JFK airport. Kovar recently made a successful foray into the restaurant business with a fashionable spot, Panther. However, the real hot spot turned out to be Kovar’s underground casino, which he ran without gaming or liquor licenses from a sound proof bunker located in the same building as Panther. Kovar and his nephew, Anton, who had been accompanying Kovar, were apprehended upon landing. Kovar is being charged on counts of drugs, prostitution, racketeering, money laundering, and mail fraud.”
Ham chuckled. “You guys love mail fraud; every case you’ve got, mail fraud is in it. Don’t you think Kovar’s got enough charges without mail fraud?”
“You can never have too many charges,” Falk shot back. “Believe it or not, mail fraud is the easiest charge to prove; all you have to do is ship something fraudulent by mail, and you’re guilty of mail fraud. It’s got some of the biggest sanctions. It’s kind of a safety net in case the other charges don’t stick.”
Dennis continued reading, “More to come on the elaborate security system used by Kovar and the upscale clientele who visited his modern day speakeasy.”
“Kovar’s clientele was the crème de la crème,” Falk added.
“Oh, yes.” Janet nodded. “When I saw some of the people who came there, I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
“It’s human nature. People love a good thrill, and Kovar was smart enough to capitalize on it,” said Ham.
“Kovar is said to be worth billions. What did he need a stupid little casino for?” Janet asked.
“I don’t believe that monetary gain was Kovar’s primary motivation,” Falk continued. “Oh, I’m sure he made a pretty penny, but influence was what he was after. Kovar had major blackmail on all the big shots who frequented his establishment, especially the ones who opted for additional services, like girls and drugs.” Falk’s voice was filled with contempt. “The whole set-up was abominable. We’ve questioned the employees overnight and found out that most of the women were tricked into coming to work for him; they were promised respectable jobs, but once they got there, they were forced to work in the casino. Their passports were taken away from them and they were paid barely enough to live on. The ones who wanted to make extra money had to perform additional “services.” And then there were the drugs—”
“Did you find out about the girl who overdosed?” Janet cut in. “Her name was Marina.”
“Yes, we did. The women working for Kovar were kept in a boarding house where they were constantly watched. We got the location from the other two women who worked for Kovar, Regina and Karina, and found her there. She’s in the hospital in critical condition, but we think she’s going to make it.” Falk shook his head. “I’d like to believe that the people who patronized the place didn’t know these details because if they did, they’re real scum. In any case, we have the names, and it’s going to be a separate investigation.”
“The Kovars didn’t keep records of the casino patrons,” Janet interjected. “At least that was what Roman told me.”
“Maybe that’s what Roman believed because that’s what his uncle told him. We’re starting to get the picture that Petr trusted Anton the most. They didn’t keep the records in the casino, but there were records all right. Anton Kovar’s safe that Dennis cracked turned out to be a mother lode. There were ledgers with names of Kovar’s casino clientele. We’re going to focus on the ones who used the “escort services.” I really don’t give a hoot about the idiots who came there to gamble.”
“Sounds like you’re going to have your hands full,” Dennis said.
“Oh, yes. There was another set of books listing every politician Kovar ever bribed. Needless to say, that’s going to be a separate investigation.”
“Any chance you could tell us if Julius Libby was among them?” Janet asked.
Falk scratched his chin. “Why do you ask?”
“You see, Libby is the reason I got
the job at Panther to begin with—” Janet began.
“Janet, I wouldn’t worry about that,” Ham interjected. “Libby’s association with Kovar’s casino is reason enough to get his candidacy disqualified. I’m going to submit my report to the client today.”
“I hope Libby has a good attorney because he’ll be hearing from us shortly,” Falk added. “We got quite an earful from Karina. Apparently, Libby used to be her biggest client. Of course she was very resentful after the performance he put up last night and became a very helpful witness. I think it’s safe to say that Libby’s political career is finished.”
“If it’s all right with you, Ham, I’d like to find out for my personal closure,” Janet pressed.
Ham nodded. “By all means. Ask away, but I doubt that Falk here will tell you much. You know how the FBI is about protocol.”
Falk ignored Ham’s jab. “Why don’t you try me, Janet?”
Janet continued, “We were supposed to do a background check on Libby to clear his candidacy for the senate race. There were shady circumstances around this investment Libby made in a startup company. Libby was one of the initial investors and the company later went public, turning Libby’s original investment of fifty thousand dollars into a whopping five million. Once the company became public, the major chunk of shares was bought by Kovar, but since there were no direct ties between Libby and Kovar, we didn’t really have much to go on. We tried to gain access to money transfers coming from Kovar’s Czech bank account, but the bank refused to release records. So I got the bright idea of moonlighting as a waitress at Kovar’s.”
“It was a mighty bright idea,” Falk added. “Since you already know most of it, I might as well connect the dots for you. We did find an entry of five million dollars under Libby’s name in Kovar’s ledger. Of course this is all a theory for now, but our analysts think that the company was a shell from the beginning. Later on, Kovar bought the company to camouflage his bribe to Libby.”
Dennis whistled. “Kovar sure was generous. After all, Libby was only a councilman.”
Falk smiled. “Politics is a long-haul game. Libby was slated to run for senate. With the money Kovar could dump into Libby’s campaign, it would’ve been a slam dunk. Then Kovar would’ve had a U.S. senator in his back pocket. Who knows, eventually Libby could run for president.”
“Not anymore.” Dennis grinned.
“Not anymore.” Falk nodded. “Thanks to you two.”
“And thanks to Mila,” Dennis said.
Janet squeezed Dennis’s hand, relieved to know that she wasn’t the only one tormented by compunction: Dennis felt it too. Her previous feelings of jealousy towards Mila were replaced with a desire to set things right. Mila was no girl scout, but she wasn’t a rogue criminal either. “That’s right,” Janet added. “Thanks to Mila.”
Falk nodded in agreement. “Yes, Mila proved to be a very useful witness. At first we didn’t believe that she was unaware of Kovar’s casino operation, but we had her cross-examined and we believe that she’s telling us the truth. It turns out that Anton kept her on a very tight leash. Of course the fact that she aided Kovar in transferring Muller’s funds doesn’t paint her in the best light, but we are willing to forego pursuing charges in exchange for her cooperation in the investigation.”
“So she’ll be free to go?” Janet asked.
“She’s being held in a safe house as a witness for her own protection. She will be released once it’s determined that it’s safe for her. For obvious reasons, I cannot share this information with you right now.”
Janet nodded. “Of course.”
“Well, everything seems to be in order. Oh, I almost forgot.” Falk handed Ham a sealed envelope.
“What’s that?”
“The details of your finder’s fee,” Falk paused. “As discussed, we’ve taken into consideration Mila Brabec’s cooperation with the investigation and allocated a reward amount of one hundred thousand dollars in her name.”
Dennis and Janet exchanged glances. “Thank you, Ham,” said Dennis.
“Don’t mention it.” Ham shrugged. “I knew that’s what the two of you wanted, so I talked it over with Falk here, and he agreed. I never met the girl, but it sounds like she’s changed her ways and became a very useful asset in the investigation.”
“She’s proven very helpful indeed,” Falk confirmed. “So, under the new breakdown, Kirk & Associates stands to receive the remaining nine hundred thousand, with the total award amount being equal to ten percent of ten million dollars. Ham, your signature is required to process the transfer of funds. If you’d be so kind as to sign it now, I’ll make sure the accounting department processes it ASAP.”
Ham opened the envelope and signed the form with a flourish. “Here you are.”
“All seems to be in order,” said Falk after he looked over the form. “If he stiffs you, you two give me a call,” Falk added in a loud whisper, winking at Janet and Dennis.
“Now, Falk, I won’t stand for you assaulting my character in front of my employees. I’ll have you know that Kirk & Associates pays top salary and provides top benefits.”
Falk cocked an eyebrow. “Should we compare Kirk & Associates’ package to that offered by the FBI?”
“Not if you plan to remain our client,” Ham parried.
“Oh, well, you can’t blame me for trying.” Falk checked his watch. “It’s time for me to get going. Oh, I wanted to ask, how are you two holding up after last night?”
Janet and Dennis exchanged glances. “We’re fine,” Dennis replied.
“My question was more for Janet,” Falk paused, his face uneasy. “Last night was very stressful … It’s common for people to have tremors and trouble sleeping after witnessing events like these. Even some of our most experienced agents often seek help to cope with the stress. What I’m trying to say, Janet, is that we have excellent experts on staff to help you talk things through, should you need to.”
“Thank you, Jeff, but I slept like a baby last night,” Janet replied, eyeing Dennis out of the corner of her eyes. Going to an FBI shrink was the last thing she needed. When it came to easing away her tension, Dennis was the only expert she needed.
“Oh, well in that case … Still, the offer will remain open should you change your mind.” Falk rose from his chair. “Until next time.” He shook Dennis’s and Janet’s hands in turn.
“I’ll be right back,” said Ham. “I’m just going to see Jeff out.”
“That was an earful,” Dennis said.
“It sure was. I still can’t believe that we brought down Petr Kovar.”
“You did, Janet. None of this would’ve happened if you hadn’t gotten the job at Panther.”
“None of this would’ve happened if you hadn’t asked Mila out. No, we did it together.”
“All right, partner, we did it together.”
Just then, Ham came back into the room. “Now that Falk’s gone, we can get down to the more exciting stuff, like your bonuses.”
Dennis cocked an eyebrow. “Now that sounds like a worthy topic.”
“Dennis!” Janet nudged him. “He’s only yanking your chain, Ham, we love working for you.”
Ham nodded. “Thank you, Janet. I know you do, but I also know that good work has to be rewarded. So, in light of your exemplary performance, I’d like to offer you both partnership stakes at Kirk & Associates—”
“Ham!” Janet exclaimed.
“I wasn’t finished.” Ham grinned. “You will both receive bonuses of three hundred thousand dollars each. What do you say… are we partners?”
“Yes.” Janet nodded.
“We sure are,” Dennis joined in. “We’re looking forward to solving many more cases with you.”
“I’m sure we will be very busy.” Ham rubbed his hands. “The two of you have become something of a legend. Two operations in one night and both a success!”
“So what’s our next case?” Janet asked.
“Easy there, Janet. I prom
ise I’ll have your desk piling up with papers in no time, but not until the two of you take a well-deserved vacation.” Ham slid an envelope across the table. “It will take a little time to process the bonuses, but this I could do right away. The two of you are going to Tahiti for ten days. All the details are in there.”
“Ham, that’s so generous of you!” Janet exclaimed. “I don’t know what to say.”
Dennis opened the envelope and examined its contents. “I know. Thank you, Ham! Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have to pack. Our plane leaves tonight.”
“The FBI might need us for questioning,” Janet worried.
“Janet, do you honestly think I planned this without checking with Falk first? He gave me the green light. Bon voyage. I’ll see you both in two weeks.”
***
Several hours later, Janet and Dennis were on the plane, seated in business class seats. Ham must’ve been really worried about the FBI luring them away to have pulled out all the stops like that. They packed in such a hurry that Janet had been worried they might not make the flight. She was real grateful to Mrs. Chapman who was only too glad to take Baxter for two weeks on such a short notice. Apparently, Baxter had developed a penchant for “singing” along to Mrs. Chapman’s piano playing, and she had a series of “duets” planned for them. She had plans to perform with Baxter at the local community center and even bought a little tuxedo for him. Baxter had modeled it proudly right before Janet and Dennis took off for the airport, making Janet feel guilty about missing the show, but Mrs. Chapman promised to videotape the whole thing.
“Would you like anything to drink?” the stewardess asked them.
“Yes, two glasses of champagne, please,” Dennis replied. “You don’t mind champagne, do you Janet?” he asked.
“Of course not.” Janet smiled.
The stewardess returned with their drinks. “Here you are. We should be ready for takeoff in about fifteen minutes.”
“Isn’t this perfect?” Dennis raised his glass.
Janet eyed the fizzing champagne bubbles in her glass. “Yes.” They clinked their glasses.